Defective Retrievable IVC Filter Lawyers

The lawyers of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., are now investigating cases of internal bleeding, blood clots and other problems that may be linked to retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.

Why Are IVC Filter Lawsuits Being Filed?

Patients and their families across the country have filed claims against the manufacturers of retrievable IVC filters. The plaintiffs allege:

  • Due to a design defect, the devices can “tilt” after insertion. As a result, the IVC filter can fracture, migrate or embolize. Patients, in turn, face the risk of serious injury or death.
  • The manufacturers knew of this risk. However, they failed to address it and provide an adequate warning to doctors and patients.

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) centralized federal court lawsuits against two retrievable IVC filter manufacturers:

  • Bard Peripheral Vascular (“Bard”) – The manufacturer of the Recovery and G2 series IVC filters. The lawsuits are litigated in the District of Arizona (MDL No. 2641).
  • Cook Medical – The manufacturer of the Celect and Gunther Tulip IVC filters. The lawsuits are litigated in the Southern District of Indiana (MDL No. 2570).

What Are Retrievable IVC Filters?

Doctors insert IVC filters in the inferior vena cava. The IVC is a large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. The devices feature cage-like wires, or “struts.” They are designed to catch and stop blood clots from reaching the heart, lungs or brain.

For many years, doctors used permanent IVC filters to treat patients who could not take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.

In recent years, medical device manufacturers introduced IVC filters that doctors remove once a patient’s risk of blood clots passes. Typically, the filters stay inside a patient for six to 12 weeks.

What Problems Are Linked to Retrievable IVC Filters?

Unfortunately, retrievable IVC filters can tilt after they are inserted. When this occurs, the device can fracture, migrate or embolize. Patients, in turn, may suffer blood clots or a stroke or heart attack. When metal parts of the IVC filter break away, they can perforate the vein.

In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication about retrievable IVC filters. The FDA said it received 921 adverse event reports about the devices over a five-year period.

The Archives of Internal Medicine published a study that same year about IVC filters. The study found high rates of fragmentation and embolization among patients treated with Bard’s Recovery and G2 series filters.

In 2015, NBC News reported that Bard knew about problems with its Recovery IVC filter after the device went on the market in 2002. However, Bard did not recall the device. Instead, in 2005, the company introduced the G2 series, which is a modified version of the Recovery.

“Confidential company records” reveal that Bard developed concerns about its G2 series within four months after it hit the market, NBC News reports. still, the company sold the device through 2010.

What Compensation Can You Pursue in a Defective IVC Filter Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one suffered complications caused by a defective IVC filter, you may be entitled to compensation for all of your past and future medical expenses, including the costs of surgery to remove the device or its parts.

Additionally, you may be eligible to recover:

  • Lost income and diminished future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death damages (if you lost a loved one).

You should contact an experienced defective medical device lawyer about your case. A lawyer can review your situation and explain the legal options available to you.

Our Defective IVC Filter Injury Lawyers Are Ready to Help You

The lawyers of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., protect the rights of injured consumers and their families across the country. Our record includes more than $400 million recovered on behalf of our clients.

Contact us today for a free consultation about your defective IVC filter case. We will thoroughly investigate your claim, consult with medical experts and pursue the compensation that you are due.

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